Vancouver Griffins 2000 Preview

Griffins new kid on the block

The Vancouver Griffins, the new kid on the block in the National Women's Hockey League, face a long and tough battle in their first season.

The newest addition to the NWHL begins the year on an exhibition schedule of local, CIAU and NWHL teams. They become full members of the league in 2001-02.

Established last January by (local businessman) Phillip DeGrandpre and voted in by the league in May, the Griffins are the first expansion team for the NWHL outside their Ontario and Quebec base. The league is looking to Alberta and the U.S. for future expansion.

Sylvain Leone has the head coaching duties for the Griffins, selecting their roster in mid-August at a training camp in Abbotsford, B.C.

"I am very pleased with the level of talent and dedication of all the players who came to camp," said Leone.

Most players on the Griffins come from B.C., with the exception of goalie Krista Cloutier of Pickardville, Alta., and Norwegian national team forward Julia Berg.

In all, 22 players make up their roster. But with no high profile players with major international experience, it might look like a long season for the Griffins.